Sedimentary rocks in practice 1300-WM-PSSS
The course is further development of knowledge, especially practical abilities in sedimentology for level II students. It allows to meet with with traditional and new methods of sedimentological studies as well as practical use of graphical and geological software. Along with the other classes on sedimentology (i.e. “Sedimentology of evaporites”, “Limestones and environment of their formation”, “Analysis of sedimentary basins”) participation in class allows to get a broad knowledge of sedimentological issues.
Class 1. Classes with use of archive data and artificial model.
a. re-construction of paleogeography and sedimentary environment based on purpose-made profiles. This include the identification of sedimentary structures, petrographic and faunistic composition to reconstruct the environments of deposition with the use of lithofacies code. Distribution of profiles on a specially designed polygon will show spatial distribution of facies and their changes in time.
b. sedimentological analysis of sections from flood terraces of selected rivers of Polish Lowland based on data from Vistula, Bug and Pilica valleys with use of lithofacies code
c. identification of provenance of clastic material and transport mode based on analysis of petrographic composition of alluvial gravels (middle Vistula valley). The source areas of clastic material and may be interpreted with further use of geological maps.
Classes 2 and 4. In cores store students will perform the macroscopic description of the cores presented (selected to show the greatest diversity of lithology and sedimentary structures). The field classes will prepare students to work in the cores store, especially to make field notes - detailed description of the lithological and sedimentological features, required for further graphical analysis and boreholes correlation.
Classes 3 and 5. Computer classes. Interpretation of borehole data, analysis of cores and geophysical data (further work on material described in cores store). Students prepare and present results of analyses with use of computer applications (CorelDraw, LogPlot).
Classes 6. Classes with the use archive data.
a. analysis of sandy fraction – variability of textural parametres and petrographic composition in deposits from different environments (glacial till, glacifluvial, alluvials of Narew and Vistula rivers, shore of Baltic, preglacial sands, „detrital Sarmatian”, Miocene marine sands, dune, initial dune)
b. analysis of gravels – variability of textural parametres and petrographic composition of material from ten different environments in deposits from different environments (glacial till, glacifluvial, sandur, alluvials of Narew San, and Vistula rivers, shore of Baltic, preglacial gravels, „detrital Sarmatian”, Snochowice gravels)
c. based on the spatial variability of the petrographic composition and cartographic materials supplied it will be possible to identify source areas of clastic material and transport mechanisms. This would allow to re-construct the sedimentary environment and palaeogeography of shallow marine “detrital Sarmatian” of eastern Ponidzie area.
Type of course
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
The intended result of learning is the ability to collect and analyze data to reconstruct environments and processes of deposition as well during individual as group work.
After completing the course, students skillfully use different methods of sedimentary rock investigation, they also use basic graphic (CorelDraw), calculating (Excel) and geological programs (LogPlot).
Assessment criteria
Classes consist of 6 blocks composed of theoretical presentations, field- and classroom work. Field exercises are marked on the basis of activities performed by the students and their field measurements and drawings.
Classroom work is marked by evaluation of graphic attachments (mostly prepared in digital version) presenting results of analyses.
Grading, according to evaluation of work and graphic attachments.
Practical placement
Not applicable
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: